A study from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found that U.S. firefighters are more likely to experience higher rates of cancer and suffer from certain illnesses as a result of their career. While many states have already recognized this link, the VA has not yet recognized this long-term presumptive disability—meaning thousands of U.S. veteran firefighters are left uncovered by the VA.

The Michael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act extends presumptive service connections for certain diseases to former military active duty firefighters. This bill amends the United State Code to extend the time frame to recognize service-related illnesses from one year, to fifteen years. Those who qualify for the presumptive benefits are any firefighters who served active duty in the military for at least five years and whose primary responsibility was firefighting or damage control. 

I’ve served with hundreds of courageous and selfless military firefighters during my three decades in the air force. Military firefighters deserve the same protections that other firefighters receive in our country. This legislation ensures proper VA care and protections for those who chose to put their life on the line.

I always like to hear feedback from constituents as this bill advances. You can either do this on my website at bacon.house.gov or at 888-221-7452. I hope that you will pass this information along to any veteran that you may know to be affected by this bill.